Context: In Brighton, more than 1,000 people sleep on the streets every year. In the latest government count done in November there was 178 people counted sleeping rough. The local vision is to work together to make sure no-one experiences street homelessness in Brighton and Hove by 2020.

What has happened so far? Brighton held their Connections Week in November 2017. During the week surveys were carried out with 125 people sleeping on the streets. 58% of the people surveyed became homeless due to a traumatic experience such as domestic violence. Full results from the week will be published in early 2018.

You can hear from volunteers involved in the week in this video.

What’s next?

Partners in Brighton are now working to build momentum to find homes for people on the street. In March 2018 they will launch an Innovation Group which will involve the community in finding new and innovative housing solutions. There will be a community event to launch the group.

YMCA Downslink will also be holding a Sleep Out called ‘Sleep Easy’ in March to raise awareness of Rough Sleeping and fundraise for the campaign.

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